In theatrical production, lighting is a powerful storytelling device. It enhances emotion, clarifies scene transitions, directs audience attention, and establishes time and location. However, none of this is possible without careful cue-based lighting scene setup.
Whether you're working in a professional theater or a school auditorium, understanding how to set up and manage lighting cues can make the difference between a smooth, immersive performance and a disjointed visual experience.
This guide walks you through the process of creating, programming, and executing lighting scenes that align with theatrical cues—ensuring your lighting supports the story, not distracts from it.
What Is a Lighting Scene and Cue?
Lighting Scene
A lighting scene is a programmed configuration of lights—levels, positions, colors, effects—that reflect a specific mood, time, or location on stage.
Examples:
A sunrise wash for an early morning scene
A spotlighted monologue with dimmed background
A stormy night with flickering strobes and cool blue ambience
Lighting Cue
A cue is the precise moment a lighting scene is activated during a performance, typically triggered based on a line of dialogue, music beat, movement, or technical timing.
Cues are labeled in the cue list as Q1, Q2, etc., and often described like:
Q3: Fade from warm dinner lighting to cool moonlight over 5 seconds.
Step 1: Read the Script and Identify Lighting Needs
Before touching a console or fixture, thoroughly read the script. Make notes on:
Scene changes
Emotional shifts (joy, tension, fear)
Lighting-specific cues (e.g., lightning, spot entrance)
Location transitions (day to night, indoors to outdoors)
Pro tip: Create a lighting breakdown chart by scene to outline rough concepts and expected transitions.
Step 2: Design Lighting Zones and Fixtures
Based on your venue and stage layout:
Define lighting zones: left, center, right, upstage, downstage
Determine fixture purposes: front wash, backlight, special FX, spot
Choose color temperatures (warm, neutral, cool) or gels
Each fixture’s role in a lighting scene must be clear. This allows precise cue programming later.
Step 3: Program Lighting Scenes
Using your lighting console or software:
Create base scenes (e.g., Scene A: Kitchen, Scene B: Garden)
Adjust intensity, position, color, and effect settings per zone
Save scenes with descriptive names or numbers (e.g., SC1_DINNER, SC2_FIGHT)
Ensure you use fade times between scenes to create smooth visual transitions—this is critical for maintaining immersion.
Step 4: Build Cue Stack and Timing
Once scenes are programmed, build a cue stack—the sequence of lighting actions:
Link cues to dialogue, sound, or movement
Add follow cues (auto-triggered), manual cues (operator activated), or looped cues (e.g., flicker)
Set fade in/out durations for each cue (e.g., 2s crossfade)
Cues can also include:
Your cue stack becomes the lighting operator’s script.
Step 5: Rehearse with Cast and Timing
Rehearsals are crucial to align the lighting cues with live performance.
During cue-to-cue or tech runs:
Test all transitions
Time fade durations for dialogue pacing
Allow operator to practice executing cues
Make changes based on director or stage manager feedback
Every lighting cue must feel natural and seamless. Practice is essential for execution under pressure.
Step 6: Prepare a Cue Sheet and Console Backup
Create a printed cue sheet for the lighting operator. Include:
| Cue # | Trigger Line / Action | Lighting Description | Fade Time | Operator Notes |
|---|
| Q1 | Curtain opens | Warm front wash full stage | 2s | Manual go |
| Q5 | “Let’s go outside” | Switch to moonlight cool blue | 3s | Cue sound thunder Q6 |
Also:
Save your show file on USB/cloud
Test backup controller or mobile app
Label all cues clearly on console with scene titles
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